Coree Woltering is an openly gay, black man who is unapologetically real and fights for what matters to him. He wears bright, dazzling speedos to compete in, and is one of the best ultra-endurance runners in the country, yet what he wants to raise awareness for the most is something you might not expect; midwest (American) athletes being overlooked by brands when they are equally capable of representing a brand well. Coree himself has become evidence of this, signing to The North Face earlier this year.

In this episode, we talk about Coree's entrance into the running world, beginning early, but not really knowing where his strengths were until he tried his first marathon in his late teens. Coree did not think about the lack of black role models in the running or triathlon world he grew up in, looking up to people like Chrissie Wellington for a source of inspiration.

We talk about our society's need to put people into boxes, which encourages marginalized groups to form. Just like we say being a runner is only part of who we are, being black is only part of Coree, as is being gay or being from the midwest.

We go on to discuss his experience in the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji, and whether there was added pressure being the first all African American team with Team Oynx, and things beyond their control going wrong, and forcing their race to face a heartbreaking decision. This episode is packed with inspiration, and Coree's perspective in life is one we can learn a lot from.

Resources: 

Coree's Instagram

Coree's Twitter

Coree's Website

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Athletic Greens, and Fenn Coffee for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! 

Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off.

Go here to learn more.

Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding.

Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of  Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!

This week’s black owned business, Fenn Coffee sought to deliver on a need affecting many triathletes' needs. Using high-quality coffee with low acidity to minimize effects. Anyone climbing their own personal mountain knows that, when hitting plateaus, pushing to the next level requires more. Innovation. Improvement. Something better. That is precisely where Fenn Coffee began. They stand for something even more by fair-trade Coffee, organically grown beans, family and women-run farms, low and zero-emission roasting, and an employees-first mentality. 

Check them out here for more information about their coffee and the apparel they have.

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode.

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Thank you to Coree, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.